The word “trespass” entails more than walking across someone’s yard. Virginia has trespassing laws that even some Virginians might not be aware of.
All types of Virginia trespassing laws
Virginia trespassing laws are listed under Virginia Code § 18.2-119. A summary and the penalty for violations are listed below.
Most familiar trespassing law
Most Virginians are familiar with the trespassing law that forbids people from entering another person’s home, building, land, or car without permission. It is also unlawful to enter someone’s property to damage it. These are Class 1 misdemeanors if violated.
Private property signPhoto byGene GallinonUnsplash
Entering a person’s property because of his identity
If a person enters someone’s property because of the race, religious conviction, color, gender, disability, gender identity, or national origin of the owner, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months.